After hiking locally in the Santa Monica Mountains through our Statewide ‘House Arrest', I was in desperate need of more exercise.  That's when I discovered the Six-Pack of Peaks.  So I made it my mission to do one peak a week for six weeks.

Because I'd read parking could get really bad, I arrived early – about 5:30a.  The lot perhaps 1/5 filled by then, with only a few people at their cars making ready for their hikes.  The weather was wonderfully cool and overcast (I say wonderfully because I like more Alpine hikes – the hot beating sun and I really don't get along – heh).

I was really surprised and delighted by the number of man made falls along this trail, all under the canopy of the forest most of the way up to the Observatory.  And I was further surprised by all the cute and quaint little rustic cabins along the way.  Might have to check into renting one here (or on the other couple trails) in the winter.

The climb wasn't too bad.  For most of the trail going up, the incline was really easy.  I was definitely still out of shape enough that I huffed and puffed on some of the higher stretches, but it's definitely the best way to ‘ease' into hiking all six.  Once I reached the top, it was a lovely sunny day with a nice breeze and a great views of the valley below.  Perfect time of year – not too hot not too cold.

The trail down was a piece of cake and I reached the parking lot before 2p.  (When I hike, I'm not in it for the speed.  I take my time and enjoy the views, take pictures, picnic at the top, and just try to soak in the environment, since its a great escape from ‘confinement'.)